Two weeks into Donald Trump’s second term, the atmosphere in America has palpably shifted. Policies that were once veiled are now overt, and prejudices that simmered beneath the surface have erupted into the open. As someone deeply committed to equity and justice, I find this resurgence of intolerance deeply troubling.
The administration’s recent actions have directly targeted marginalized communities, particularly transgender individuals. An executive order issued on January 20, 2025, mandates that the United States will recognize only two sexes, male and female, effectively erasing recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities (Reuters, 2025). This move not only disregards the existence of diverse gender identities but also sets a precedent for further discriminatory policies.
In response to these developments, I’ve encountered messages that reflect a disturbing emboldenment of bigotry. One individual wrote, “Finally, a President who will put an end to this trans insanity.” To this, I responded:
“You were never losing anything when trans people gained rights. You were never oppressed when we were allowed to exist. What you want isn’t fairness—it’s erasure. And this time, you’re comfortable enough to say it outright.”
Such sentiments are not isolated. The administration’s actions have seemingly validated and amplified these prejudices. For instance, on January 27, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from the military, a move that has been criticized for undermining efforts toward inclusivity and equal opportunity (The Guardian, 2025).
The implications of these policies are profound. Research has shown that political rhetoric can influence societal behaviors. A report by the Brookings Institution found that President Trump’s support often stems from racist and sexist beliefs, and his election has emboldened Americans to engage in racist behavior (Ray, 2019). This emboldenment is evident in the increasing hostility directed toward marginalized communities.
Another message I received stated, “You’re the real fascist. You just don’t like democracy when people vote for policies you don’t like.” I replied:
“Democracy isn’t just about elections. It’s about human rights. It’s about protecting the vulnerable, ensuring equality, and upholding the basic dignity of all people. You don’t get to claim democracy when you use it to strip rights away. That’s tyranny—whether you voted for it or not.”
The rise in such rhetoric is alarming. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights reported that hate crimes have increased by more than 80% since 2015, with 2021 marking the highest year on record for reported hate crimes since the FBI began publishing the data in 1991 (The Leadership Conference Education Fund, 2023). This trend underscores the dangerous consequences of divisive leadership.
Reflecting on these developments, my heart is heavy with concern for the future of our nation. The next four years portend not just policy shifts but a fundamental challenge to the values of inclusivity and respect that underpin our society. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, advocate for the marginalized, and uphold the principles of justice and equality.
References
Ray, R. (2019). Trump and racism: What do the data say? Brookings Institution. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/trump-and-racism-what-do-the-data-say/
The Leadership Conference Education Fund. (2023). Cause for Concern 2024: The State of Hate. Retrieved from https://civilrights.org/edfund/resource/2024-state-of-hate/
Reuters. (2025, January 20). Trump curtails protections around diversity, LGBTQ rights. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-sign-orders-ending-diversity-programs-proclaiming-there-are-only-two-sexes-2025-01-20/
The Guardian. (2025, January 27). Trump signs orders to eliminate DEI from US military and reinstate troops who refused Covid vaccines – as it happened. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jan/27/donald-trump-us-politics-colombia-deportations-trade-war-latest-news-updates
Gemma Ortwerth 
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